Affectionately known as Nanjing’s ‘mother river’, the Qinhuai curves through the heart of the ancient Chinese city. A 110km branch of the mighty Yangtze, the Qinhuai River offers the best vantage point from which to soak up Nanjing’s illustrious historical landmarks. From here, you can see traditional painted houses, grand homes once occupied by nobility and colourful sailing barges. Join us on a river tour along the pavilions, gardens and markets that line the Qinhuai’s banks.

Confucius Temple

Majestically occupying the north bank, the imposing Confucius Temple is a grandiose edifice dedicated to the celebrated Chinese academic and philosopher, Confucius. Built in a typical pagoda style, with its tiered, curved roofs and elegant statues, it’s no wonder the elegant temple is one of Nanjing’s most visited attractions. Today, the temple has been expanded into a large area with restaurants and shops where locals spend their leisure time at weekends.

Qinhuai River Bazaar

After dark, the Qinhuai River Bazaar is a vibrant, dazzling spectacle which sees floating vendors sell wares from their colourful boats and along the banks of the Qinhuai near the Confucius Temple. The river is illuminated with red lanterns and twinkling lights creating a stunning scene. At the River Bazaar, you can shop stalls for street food delights like steamed buns or local salted duck, along with quaint handicrafts, trinkets and souvenirs.

Zhonghua Gate

Locateda step back from the Qinhuai River, the commanding Zhonghua Gate (Gate of China)is the largest city entrance in China, and one of the best-preserved and intricately structured city gateways in the world. An imposing defence fortress that took 26 years to construct during the 14th-century Ming dynasty, Zhonghua Gate is a marvel of ancient Chinese engineering reminiscent in miniature scale of the Great Wall.

Zhanyuan Garden

At an incredible 600 years old,Zhanyuan Garden, an exquisitely preserved Ming Dynasty oasis, is Nanjing’s oldest garden. The vast botanical retreat spans approximately five acres and includes ornate rockeries, limestone caves, meandering pathways, tranquil pools and quintessentially Chinese pavilions. You can explore Nanjing’s compelling past via artefacts, weapons and maps at the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum, located within the grounds.

Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

Close to the mouth of the Qinhuai, where the Yangtze feeds into it, the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge is a vast, modern construction, at least in comparison to the city’s other ancient monuments. Built in 1968, the double-decked latticed bridge was a pioneering feat of engineering at its unveiling. Recognised as an iconic symbol of the city, the bridge is a quite a sight to behold at night as it’s lit up with over 1,000 floodlights.

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